09.04.1642

The Southeast Military Base

14:53

A few days have passed since the shocking information that was spread around the whole base and some people seem to get better and accept the incident. Of course, others still live in the past, or, well... at least two of them do, that's for sure. RY4N has been doing a bit better, though he surely still can't accept everything that was said to him that day. But MY4... MY4 is a lost cause. She fulfilled her duty as a Healer at the shelter, but not a single soul had seen her smile ever since that day. It was like her whole world crashed in front of her eyes. Even Officer KYR4 and LUK3 were worried every time they saw her this way, LUK3 even trying to cheer her up by making her laugh whenever he was with her, but it was in vain.

In the past days, the base wasn't so productive as it was before. Not because they are lazy or RY4N doesn't know how to lead everyone right, but they've changed their roles compared to what they were doing before. Mrs. M4EK0, the Leader of the South Base who are specialised in spying around the City of Above, has accepted for the Southeast Base to be their partners for a while. These were boring days for them, that's for sure. No action at all, only investigating the situation above.

They didn't find anything new either. Most of the things found were already known by them from the Great Leader such as the economical problem of the city, the slavery abuse of the high titles and everything regarding the black market. The patrols of the soldiers still didn't end and doesn't seem as it will end any sooner either. So far, they recorded about 461 new C born slaves which were either sold, found while they were hiding in the city or simply taken away from the people who were in debts to the soldiers for some time, and these are only confirmed by them. There could be even more than this simple number that they aren't aware about.

But something that they did find unusual was the absence of the crevaators in the City of Above. The whole area which was colonised by them somewhere in the west part of the city, was now an abandoned and ruined village. Nobody knows where they went. From what they've discovered so far, they found out that their entrance to the City of Above was now completely destroyed, removing one of the many entrances from the list. Some soldiers of the M even claimed that they simply disappeared over the night, without leaving any trace behind. But none of those two parties know what truly happened. Probably the only person who is aware of what happened to them is the one who planned this all along.

But for now, it doesn't matter, as we only see the people of the base resting, even though it won't be long until they have to wake up and begin their work. We only see a few though, like some of the soldiers having restless nights because of the whole problem with the Great Leader, such as RY4N, who couldn't really fall asleep these days that much, or MY4 who didn't even sleep during the nights because of the news, maybe thinking that He will come back.

But the room on which we are focusing now is LUK3's. Though he does seem to be able to sleep, even if it's not that peaceful sleep as before everything, that's not actually the problem we care about. More exactly, our attention is driven to his communication device, which seems to light up for some time now, giving some "beep" sounds over and over again, until LUK3 finally wakes up because of them.

He gets a bit confused since he just woke up and starts wiping his eyes to see clearly, until he takes the device in his hand to see what's going on. He is a bit sleepy though, so it takes him some time to read, yet the moment he manages to do so, he gets rather in a bad mood all of a sudden, stopping the "beep" sounds, putting the device back and getting up on his butt to wake up properly. But even so, he looks down and takes a deep breath, before he finally starts his new day.

17:24

And now that everyone woke up, LUK3 is helping N04H train as usual. He shows him some moves and tries as much as possible to stay focused on what they are doing, as it seems that something is bothering him a bit.

[LUK3]-Okay, now, try and knock down the training dummy with a kick. Do it as hard as you can.

At his command, N04H tries to kick the training dummy with his foot, yet his kick is too weak and barely moves it, almost even getting out of his balance and falling.

[LUK3]-No, no, not like that! You have to raise your foot a bit higher if you want to knock someone down!

He gets his foot a bit higher at his command once again and looks for an approval.

[N04H]-Like this?

[LUK3]-I mean, if your goal is to just tickle your opponent with your foot fingers, yeah, like that!

[N04H]-Then how!? I can't kick someone with this move even if I train the rest of the day!

[LUK3]-Ughhh....

So, seeing that N04H doesn't succeed, LUK3 finally gets up from the ground where he was sitting all along, and gets closer to N04H who was standing in front of a training dummy. He moves him a bit away and performs the move himself as an example, kicking the head of the dummy and knocking it on the ground. He places back the dummy on its initial position and looks at the recruit.

[LUK3]-Like that! You got it now?

[N04H]-Well, of course YOU can do it! You are two times taller than me!!

[LUK3]-Yeesh, such excuses... It doesn't matter your size. If you do the move as I said, the only thing you will need to focus on will be your strength. The stronger the kick, the better the chances of knocking your opponent down. Now do it again!

Then, he goes back to his seat, but he seems a bit pissed. It was no day when the recruit actually pissed him off by doing something wrong, even N04H knew that. So of course, he is unsure of what's happening with this strange man. The only thing he does while sitting is watching a bit the small guy train. He doesn't joke around or anything that is normal for his character.

But as he trains more, N04H notices how he lost LUK3's attention and how he looks with a serious face at his arm for no reason. So, of course he stops a bit and goes towards him to ask what's happening.

[N04H]-...Hey, LUK3?

[LUK3]-Hm?

[N04H]-Did I do something wrong?

He looks for a while confused at N04H though. He doesn't really understand what is he talking about at first, but as he thinks more about it, he gets why he is so concerned.

[LUK3]-...No, it's not you, buddy. Don't say that.

[N04H]-Then what's wrong?

[LUK3]-...

[N04H]-Do you... miss Him too?

[LUK3]-*sigh*...Yeah, I miss Him, but that's not what's bothering me, little guy. Sorry if I was a bit... difficult today. Let's just say I have to settle down a problem that I've confronted for years now.

[N04H]-And what's that? Maybe I can try and help you with it.

[LUK3]-Heheh... I can ensure you for one thing: you can't do anything about it.

[N04H]-Why not?

[LUK3]-Mm... just that it's simply impossible to solve it that easily. Anyway, do not bother yourself with it. Let's get back to your training for now.

[N04H]-But you look awfully... pissed about that problem. You don't seem to even pay attention to me either.

[LUK3]-Hey, who said I am pissed??

[N04H]-From your behaviour?

[LUK3]-Well, I'm not pissed! You are just imagining things!

[N04H]-It doesn't really look like it... Are you sure everything is alright?

He looks a bit at N04H at first this time actually, before taking a breath and calming himself down.

[LUK3]-...Okay, how about this? When we go out in a few moments with the group, I will go fix my problem that I'm talking about, and then come back to you guys. A-And I promise I will be back to the same guy you met the first time! You won't see this pissed person you say you see anymore!

[N04H]-You say so?

[LUK3]-Yeah! I'm not going out of my word!

[N04H]-But can't we come with you as well? Maybe we can help you with it. 'Cause from what it seems, it doesn't appear to be something small to me...

[LUK3]-No, no! You all go wherever you want in the meantime! I promise I will be quick! And don't worry! It's nothing serious! I just... want to confront it alone this time.

N04H looks at him concerned this time, but he trusts his words for now.

[N04H]-...Alright. You win.

[LUK3]-I always win, buddy! that's the first rule of the game!

[N04H]-Really? I thought that I've beaten you the first time we've met from what I recall...

[LUK3]-Nuh-uuhhh! You are straight up lying! I'm the winner of each game! You just dreamt about it!

[N04H]-Hmm, strange... 'Cause I remember I took your most powerful piece from the first moves.

[LUK3]-Nope! You lost, hehe! ...Shut up!

[N04H]-Alright, alright... Can we train now?

[LUK3]-Well, I mean, I didn't tell you to stop in the first place, god dammit!

He seems as he managed to get LUK3's lively and stupid character back for a moment, but it's not really the full character itself. It is still with that burden that he doesn't know about. So in the end, even with this jokes and all, LUK3 still seems to he obsessed of looking at his hand. From N04H's perspective, he doesn't really get why would he do that randomly. But from his perspective, the device on his hand shows him as if someone is calling, and it's not the first time either. It is most likely what woke him up in the morning, but he chooses to ignore it once again.

17:53

After the whole training, they both seem to have left the training room in order to get ready for the morning leaving around the city. N04H seems as he went to his room, yet LUK3 seems as he wanders the hallways in order to get to a different location. And for some reason, his location is Miss MY4's room.

[LUK3]-MY4?

As he opens the door to look for her, he simply sees her staring down, the same way he saw her the last time he looked for her. After all, this is how MY4 behaved in these past days since the information has spread around the whole base.

[LUK3]-...Come on, MY4. You can't live like this forever. I've promised you, He will come back!

[MY4]-...Then why didn't He come back already?

[LUK3]-You know Boss better than me, girl! He always just disappears in front of our eyes and comes back when we need Him the most! Maybe He is just busy up there! Don't just lose your hope so easily!

[MY4]-...

He sees that there is no hope in ensuring her that He is still alive out there. She has fought for His life in the past, now she can't even see Him anymore, dead or alive. As well as Officer RY4N, LUK3 knew how much they both loved each other. After all, MY4 used to tell him everything that was on her mind but didn't have the courage to tell Him as well when they were younger. She was always so embarrassed every time she was talking about Him, but she trusted him as they were best friends ever since school years. And, like her, he had his times when he needed to speak about what's on his mind too, but he doesn't find the right sentence to start with now.

[LUK3]-MY4... Look, I know it hurts and all since you two were so close to each other, but do you really think that He wanted to see you like this? No! He would've wanted you to be strong for Him, for ALL of us! You trust my word... right?

[MY4]-Mhm...

[LUK3]-Then let's stop thinking about all of these bad things about this problem that is taking the happiness of our lives! Come on! Cheer up! I wanna see the strong MY4, not the cry-baby MY4!

She looks a bit at her best friend that was standing next to her, trying to make her feel even a tiny bit better than she feels now. In the end, she gives up and does as he says.

[MY4]-...Alright. I will... try to be myself from now on.

[LUK3]-That's my little Mimi! Now stop being sad and smile!

She chuckles a bit to what he said, but seems as he doesn't really listen to that word of his himself.

[LUK3]-You know, I... actually have a small problem as well. I thought of speaking to you about it since it's something a bit personal and I want to get rid of this rock that's stuck on my heart... And since we are best friends, you were the first person that came into my thoughts. Because... you know... He is not here to help me out with it again. And until He comes back... I fear that I might have to deal with it alone.

[MY4]-Alright... Then what's the problem?

[LUK3]-Well... I got calls from him pretty often recently for a reason that I don't know. I mean, I don't mind that since he is used to calling me each month to see how am I doing and all, but it's a bit too often than I remember. And... well...

[MY4]-And...?

[LUK3]-And he... called me again this morning as well... I think it's the 30th time, I swear...

[MY4]-...And you still didn't respond?

[LUK3]-Respond for what!? It's the same story every time, he won't listen to me that easily! You already know that! He will keep it as he wants until I get mad at him and end the call with a small lie, like "Ohh, the Leader wants to see me..." or "Ohh, I have some documents to complete..."!

[MY4]-Maybe he is worried about you if he keeps calling you this often now, LUK3.

[LUK3]-I-I don't... *sigh* I don't know... I'm not sure about that... If anything, I will go and pay him a visit to end this whole conversation for once and for all. Which... brings us back to another reason of why I came to you in the first place.

[MY4]-Let me guess: you invite me out again alongside KYR4 and N04H, if possible even more people.

[LUK3]-Oh, you are a good guesser, Miss MY4! Tell me the secrets of your powers!

[MY4]-It's not like you don't invite me almost every single day to go out in our old group. Come on...

[LUK3]-Hey! I'm not asking EVERY SINGLE DAY!! You are just exaggerating now!

Even with his struggles at first try, he managed to achieve his goal: he cracked a smile on her face. If anything goes wrong when he will solve his problem, at least he knows he managed to make her smile again. So, of course... he smiles back at her.

[LUK3]-...Do you feel better now?

[MY4]-Mhm... Thank you, LUK3.

[LUK3]-But of course! I'm your best little buddy after all, am I not? And as a repayment... help me out with KYR4, please...

[MY4]-*giggles* I will try. I promise.

Then, LUK3 raises his hand, showing her his fist, only for her to raise hers and hitting their hands gently and opening their fists after, maybe some kind of friendship symbol that they've developed over the years. But before LUK3 leaves, he looks a bit at her once again.

[LUK3]-Oh, and... one more thing before I leave...

[MY4]-What is it?

[LUK3]-Can you look at my arm when we get back? I don't know why, but it started to hurt me a little.

[MY4]-*sigh* What did you do this time?

The Underground City

18:35

The group is walking around the city, but the joy from before doesn't seem to be present anymore, rather a cold vibe coming from each of them. Somehow, LUK3 managed to trick Officer RY4N and C0NNER to join them too, though they surely look as they didn't want to be here in the first place. It's not only RY4N who has to face the reality, but also C0NNER, though he didn't seem to get too emotional back when they heard the news.

But it's obvious that C0NNER is accepting the situation hardly too, who can blame him? He doesn't suffer as much as RY4N or MY4 do, that's true, but he does more than the rest from the base at least. Yet he somehow knows how to hide it better than the others, that's for sure. CHE5TER was his master when he got to work in this base and was also the one who saved his life and gave him another reason to continue fighting. He was affected one year ago as well, but he seems that he has learnt to control his emotions since that whole incident.

The whole idea behind this plan was to just forget about the current problems and relax anyway, so at this point they have no reason to think about it. The only one who has to face a problem right now is LUK3, so it's obvious that he has to leave for a while. More than that, they've already started to ask why make them come too if he had to leave anyway. After all, the only one who is planning and keeping everyone together in these occasions is him, and of course KYR4 got pissed off because of his nonsense again.

But he already told them he will have to leave for a while before they went out, though they still have their reasons to get mad at this idea. He leaves anyway, what can he do? He walks alone the roads of the small city to a destination only known to him. He is not that happy doing so, but rather letting the problem persists as he used to do before, he needs to force himself to solve it.

To be fair now, he is rather nervous. It's been years since he last saw the man that he is about to confront now in flesh. He never wanted to go back to him since they had their last argument, so everything between them was more like a distant... friendship... to call it gently. Sure, they talk once or two times a year with their devices, even more if possible, but he doesn't really enjoy doing so. Yet now, this person does seem as he wants to talk to him more than ever. After all, LUK3 did say that he called him over 30 times in the past few days, but he didn't have the heart to respond.

He arrives at a house somewhere in the north side of the city which was surrounded by a huge fence. He looks for a while at it at first, trying to accept this situation, but he hesitates to ring the bell present on the fence. Rather, he searches for something hidden in the ground next to it, which seems to be another button that's connected to a bell. Who knows why would he choose it? He presses it one time and sits down, waiting.

It doesn't take too long for a man to arrive which seems to be one of the guards that supervise the area of the house, but he seems surprised to see LUK3 present here too.

[F0STER]-...Young Master XANTH3? Is that really you?

[LUK3]-Hey, Mr. F0STER! Long time, no see, huh?

[F0STER]-I can't believe my eyes... Look at you! Boy, you've grown so much since we've last seen each other! You are even taller than me! How come you are here??

[LUK3]-Well, I guess I came to pay the old man a visit since I didn't come here for about eight years now.

But as LUK3 looks at him to give his old pal a smile as a greeting, the man notices a scar on his face and gets a bit worried.

[F0STER]-...What happened to your nose?

[LUK3]-Oh, that? Long story. But don't worry! It healed looong time ago! It's nothing to worry about. Just... don't tell my father about it, if possible.

[F0STER]-...Y-Yes! Of course! ...Come in! Stop standing in dust!

He then takes him in a very small building inside the area surrounding the house with fence and lets him sit down.

[F0STER]-So? How come you remember the hidden bell?

[LUK3]-How can I forget about it though? You made it specially for me! "Press the button whenever you need me", remember? Besides, I don't want to inform him that I'm here out of nowhere since I, well... look like this.

[F0STER]-Right... But, Master XAN--

[LUK3]- --Please, just call me LUK3.

[F0STER]-...Alright... LUK3... why did you come here? I thought you didn't want to come here again after you and Master got in a fight last time.

[LUK3]-It's not like I'm here because I like it anyway! But... the old man just didn't want to stop calling me for a reason. And since when we are talking at distance he doesn't listen to a word I say, I simply refuse to talk to him this way again. If anything, maybe I have a chance to convince him if I'm talking to him in person.

[F0STER]-Oh, so... it's the old story again.

[LUK3]-I guess... But I'm not so sure myself. I've never saw him so desperate to want to talk to me.

[F0STER]-And you came to me for help, I assume?

[LUK3]-Yeah! Something like that. I mean, I can't go in there looking the way I look normally without pissing him off again, which will ruin every chances for me to just end this story.

[F0STER]-I guess I have some old clothes that you can borrow and everything... but I think I will need some help with the scar and hair.

[LUK3]-No problem! Call whoever you think might help! Just don't make it obvious that I'm here yet.

And so he does. The man obeys to his orders and brings someone who helps him hide his scar and make his hair a bit less... messier. The person itself was also surprised by his presents, but got to work right after, though LUK3 wasn't so happy when it got to the hair part. The first idea was to cut it uniformly, but he refused the idea in the next second. So, he just caught it in a tiny tail and put it somehow to stand straight. It's not like he has long hair or anything, it's just that it is simply a messy hairstyle.

And when they were finally done, he was like a whole new man when you were looking at him walking around the big house actually. He was wearing an old black suit, his scar disappeared completely and his hair was organised. The only thing that would help someone to recognise him, besides his C colour, would be his golden highlights from his black hair which he was born with. Highlights aren't something out of the ordinary for a C person to be born with them, but they are less common for sure. Of course, they still work the same as the colour of the person when we are talking about energy.

And it's obvious that it was a shock for the people for LUK3 to be present here. After eight years, the son of the XANTH3 Clan was finally back to his home. There were so many people LUK3 knew but barely saw them in the past years, even new people like kids adopted by some of the old people working here or simply graduated students who decided to come and help around. But his goal was to see the Leader of the clan, though it was a pleasure seeing all these people again after such a long time. Who would've guessed that a simple soldier of a base which acts stupid all the time was actually a respected descendant of an important bloodline?

But he doesn't seem as he is so happy about that idea. Rather, he feels more comfortable being a nobody than a person getting attention all the time. Maybe that's how the Great Leader felt every day? The XANTH3 Clan are one of the most respected people in the city as everyone knows what they provide them and who they are, besides the Leader, obviously. The bases aren't known at all in the city compared to this clan. Sure, students get some information about each base on the lists so if they want to join one, they know what they will have to face, but the XANTH3 Clan even made history in the past. All the schools learn about them. The identity of the Leader is censored to the public eye by obvious reasons, but they still know how much he helped the city. And yet... LUK3 doesn't seem so pleased being one of the descendants of the bloodline.

And so, he arrives at a door that most likely leads to the Clan Leader's office. He looks a bit at the door as he really doesn't want to enter that room, but this is a point of no return. He opens the door only for him to see the Leader talking with someone in his airpods, looking out the window. A man in a golden and large coat with the symbol of the XANTH3 Clan painted on its back, wearing a black suit below it, with blond hair and the golden colour representing him as a C born, just like LUK3. The man doesn't notice him at first, as he was looking behind, but as he looks towards his position, he gets in a confusion, even shock seeing him in person.

He ends whatever conversation he was having before and puts back his airpod into the device on his hand, while looking at his own son just standing right there in his door.

[XANTH3]-...LUCAS? Is that really you?

[LUK3]-...

LUK3 doesn't really say a word to him, but the Leader surely approaches him as he didn't see his own son in ages. But before he could do anything, LUK3 just hands over his arm, waiting for them to shake hands as a greeting. Mr. XANTH3 imagined more than just a handshake, but LUK3 doesn't really seem to want anything more than that. But rather than just accepting what his son offers, he takes his arm and pulls him closer to him so he could hug him, to feel him close after a long time. Of course LUK3 isn't so happy about what he did, but he can't say anything.

[XANTH3]-...It's been so long since I saw you last time.

[LUK3]-Yeah, I guess it's been some time.

[XANTH3]-I can't believe you are here... How come y--

[LUK3]- --Look, I get the excitement and everything, but I just came to talk, alright? We can take everything regarding what I've been doing these years to the distant talk at any time.

[XANTH3]-...

[LUK3]-Tell me, why did you start calling me so often all of a sudden? I want the truth! If it's about that old story, you can forget it! I already told you my answer!

He looks a bit at his own son who was confident in what he was saying. LUK3 even noticed as he got a bit pissed in his eyes, but he didn't want to show that yet.

[XANTH3]-...Mrs. M4EK0 told me that Young Master RY4N decided to help her out with the investigation of the City of Above... and that she has noticed you while working for him.

[LUK3]-Of course it was her... Okay, so? What's the big deal? I told you I'm working for him after all.

[XANTH3]-She also informed me of the way you "work", LUCAS. Don't play dumb with me.

[LUK3]-...Okaaaay, so what?

[XANTH3]-So what? You are putting yourself in danger all the time no matter what people tell you to do.

[LUK3]-I'm not putting myself in danger ALL the time! Look at me! Do you see anything that screams "danger" to you? Everyone works how they feel like!

[XANTH3]-I still think it's the best for you to continue the tradition of the clan and take the title of Leader as yours.

[LUK3]-No, that's the best for YOU! I told you so many times that I don't want to continue this tradition!

[XANTH3]-LUCAS...

[LUK3]-I mean, why am I obligated anyway!? You are around 120 years old, you still have a lot of time in your hands to continue serving as the Leader of the clan!

[XANTH3]-But as the son of the Clan Leader, you will have to take the title sooner or later, whether you like it or not.

[LUK3]-Because of what rule??? Master M4TTH3W let His son decide his own destiny, HE let HIM decide the path that HE wanted to take! Why can't you let me do that as well??

[XANTH3]-...Master M4TTH3W's son died because of that decision, LUCAS!

[LUK3]-...

LUK3 is so pissed at this point that his father brought up this excuse. But what can he do? He swore when he joined that he will never tell anybody the truth about what happened to the former Great Leader, not even to his own father, a member of the Council. And technically, at this point, he isn't wrong either. Who knows if the Great Leader is still alive?

[LUK3]-...Well, at least he died being himself rather than pretending being someone else just for his father's pleasure.

[XANTH3]-So what? You are telling me that it's better to be yourself rather than staying alive?

[LUK3]-Yeah!

But the anger in the Leader's eyes changed into something that LUK3 never saw at him: worry. He was surprised himself when he saw his father this way for the first time in his life. Most of the years they were just arguing and the only normal years between them were when he was very young. But it wasn't his fault that the Leader of the clan chose him as his son. It is his choice where he wants to work or for who he wants to work, or even with who.

[LUK3]-Look... best I can do for you is to stay for a bit longer and discuss about these last years, but I will never be the Leader of this clan, you hear me? ...So? Do you accept this offering of mine? Or can I take my leave?

The XANTH3 Residence

19:27

For so many years, the Leader and his son were never seen together even for a second. Though Mr. XANTH3 didn't expect anything of this to happen, LUK3 already knew what will be his reaction and what excuses he will bring again. But he didn't expect to stay for a bit longer with him, that's for sure. But again, they didn't see each other for a long time, and he had some people here that he kind of missed too. So what they did was just to take one of the most expensive drinks that the Leader owns and just walk around the whole house while talking.

Before anything, LUK3 made him swear he won't bring anything about what they argued into this conversation and only talk about the past years. He really didn't want to argue anymore, he knew it was all in vain. So at least they can try and enjoy some time together at least for a few minutes. Who knows if LUK3 will come back after all? He doesn't really have a reason for that. He has his own room at the base so he doesn't need to sleep here. He has his people that he knows the most there, though he has some that work here too. And there is no point in mentioning that he really despises the idea of his father being present at every corner of the building.

Probably he can come back for the drinks as they surely are impossible for him to get in the city. Not because he doesn't find any, but for the son of the clan that produces the money is funny how he barely has some for himself. Most of the times, he just spends it randomly when he goes out, so he never keeps some for other days too. His salary isn't bad, but he surely doesn't know the concept of money. Ironic, isn't it? Maybe even the Great Leader would've enjoyed these drinks as well, who knows?

[XANTH3]-How are the others doing?

[LUK3]-You mean MY4 and ADIN4? I guess they are just fine. MY4 is in a relation with someone, so she is doing pretty well.

[XANTH3]-Really?

[LUK3]-Yep! She's been in a relationship ever since we had entered together in the Southeast Base because she found herself a man in the base that was close to our age, just a bit older. But... I still struggle a bit with ADIN4 myself, so...

[XANTH3]-Hmph. Kind of disappointing if I'm thinking about it.

[LUK3]-Well, it's not like YOU had any success in love! I swear, the only XANTH3 who succeeded in this thing was the first one who had a wife before he died. Such a losers family...

[XANTH3]-Hey now! Don't be disrespectful to the bloodline, LUCAS!

[LUK3]-Mmm... I'm just spitting facts! Anyway... both of them are alright. MY4 is working at the shelter sometimes to treat the wounded that are saved by Mr. M1SH4M's team, and ADIN4 managed to take the title of Officer in the base, but I think you already knew about that.

[XANTH3]-Yes. I saw the young girl at the Council for some years now, but I never had the chance to talk to her. She does seem like she is taking her title pretty seriously as well, right?

[LUK3]-Mhm! Truth to be told, ADIN4 bosses around with me when we are going in the city, even though, technically, she has no authority to do so during the free time. It annoys me, but... I'm still trying to win her, you know? And I got pretty used to it after all.

[XANTH3]-Mhm... Other than that?

[LUK3]-Other than that... Hmm... I don't really think there is more to say. That's kind of all about them. Nothing has really changed in our friend group over the years.

[XANTH3]-I've heard that Miss ADIN4 changed her name a while ago though. Is it true?

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah! She calls herself KYR4 now. I'm not sure why, but if that's what she wants... I call her by her old name sometimes by mistake and that pisses her off. It's funny, actually!

[XANTH3]-Why so? The previous name fit her pretty well. I liked it myself. Why did she wanted to change it so badly?

[LUK3]-I told you, I don't really know! But she changed it after she left the Central Base and joined us. It was weird for both MY4 and I, but we got used to it eventually.

[XANTH3]-Alright... Then what about you?

[LUK3]-Hm?

[XANTH3]-What have you done in these past years?

[LUK3]-Oh...

There is a bit of hesitation in his eyes while he hears his father's words. Though he is allowed to tell about the missions made from the collaboration of the Southeast Base and the rest of the bases, he is not so sure if it is a good idea. After all, most of the collaborations were between the Great Leader and the Leader of the North Base, M1SH4M, which specialises in rescuing the convicted. It's not something that he will like to hear, that's for sure.

[LUK3]-Well... Umm... Nothing special, really! Documents over documents that I had to complete or just search for the old ones signed by the previous Leaders... You know, the usual! Just recently we've changed a bit, but it won't take long for us to come back to the old habits, I promise!

[XANTH3]-Why did you have to change all of a sudden anyway?

[LUK3]-No reason that should bother you, hehe... Master RY4N only wanted to... um... help out Mrs. M4EK0 with the investigation! Nothing serious.

[XANTH3]-Did his father obligate him or something?

[LUK3]-N-No... I mean... it was his decision to help her. From what I understood, her team needed more people, so he just gave her a hand. I mean, the City of Above is way bigger than our city, is it not?

[XANTH3]-But from what I know, Mrs. M4EK0 is already getting some help from Mr. M1SH4M since there is no need of his team to rescue the convicted anymore. Didn't he start helping Mr. R4YMOND and decided a while ago that he will also help Mrs. M4EK0 with her missions after all? The investigations in the city say that the C borns caught are immediately put to slavery for the high titles. Is it really a need of more people?

[LUK3]-I guess the term "enough" doesn't exist in this situation. I told you, it's a huge city after all! Maybe M4EK0 only wants to make sure that we do not miss anything from what the M soldiers plan. But why are you asking me these things anyway? You are the member of the Council, not me!

[XANTH3]-Well, I don't know if you are aware about this information, but the Great Leader has been absent at the meetings recently. Young Master RY4N informed us that He took a break which He didn't specify how long it will be. If anything, I can at least get some information on what's happening from you.

LUK3 choked a bit while drinking from hearing these words. Now he knows that his father is a bit suspicious about the whole situation. Not only that, but he is a bad liar after all, so he fears that he might break his words.

[XANTH3]-Are you alright?

[LUK3]-Ye... *cough* I'm fine... It went on the wrong direction! *cough* *cough*

[XANTH3]-Let me call someone to bring something so you can wash your face. Maybe it will calm you down.

[LUK3]-No, no! I'm fine! *cough* I don't need anything!

[XANTH3]-Don't be ridiculous! Miss ARY4!

[LUK3]-I said I don't need anything!! Look, I'm feeling better now! No need for anybody to come!

[XANTH3]-You are talking nonsense, LUCAS. What's gotten into you? A little help doesn't kill anybody.

[LUK3]-Come on, old man! You are doing this ever since I was a child and you know I hate it!

It's not because he is embarrassed this time though, as maybe he was feeling a bit when he was younger, but now it is more like a fear. But he has no authority to say anything to the Leader after all. At this point he will only try a solution to hide.

[LUK3]-Y-You know what? I can go to the restroom and wash my face as you said! N-No need for anybody to come!

[XANTH3]-But--

[LUK3]- --I-I'll be back in a minute!! I promise!

But as he turns back to walk towards his destination, the woman which the Leader called for was behind him, with a small bowl that contains a simple liquid, Histvorh, and a towel on a golden plate. Because he wasn't really paying attention as he was only looking at his father, he bumps into her which makes the bowl spill all over him, making him whisper to himself out of anger.

[LUK3]-...I swear at this point, this is becoming a habit of mine...

[ARY4]-I-I'm so sorry, Young Master XANTH3!

[LUK3]-No, no. It's fine! Really!

[ARY4]-Let me help y--

But as she tries to finish her sentence, she notices a hidden scar on his nose as the cosmetics used seem to fade from the liquid. She gets a bit worried about him of course.

[ARY4]-...What happened to your face?

He then immediately panics and starts giving her signs with his hands for her to shut her mouth. But his father heard what the girl said, so he gets a bit curious.

[XANTH3]-...What did she say, LUCAS?

[LUK3]-N-Nothing!

He then puts his left hand on his face to cover his scar as his father is approaching him. Now, he tries to avoid his father as much as possible. When he looks back, he does notice a bit of anger growing in his father's eyes, so he can't do more than just moving backwards as he is coming to him.

[XANTH3]-Why are you covering your face?

[LUK3]-O-Oh, it's nothing! Really! It hurts me from the impact, see? Ouch!

[XANTH3]-Move your hand, now! LUCAS!

[LUK3]-Oh, no! Look at the time! Ah, is sooo late! I should really get back to Master RY4N so I can work with some papers again! Well, it was a great reunion, but I should really take my leave n--

He dodged a bit his father's hand from catching him, but in the end, the Leader takes him by his left arm, forcing it to move and revealing his scar that still seems to have some cosmetics flowing from the liquid. This was the last thing he wanted him to see. He knew from the past how much his father exaggerated whenever he got hurt even a bit, but knowing he works somewhere that puts him in danger every second of his life is more than just a simple scar.

From the look on the Leader's face, he knew he messed up badly this time. But at least he couldn't do a scene in front of the people here, so he was safe... for now. Yet at this point, there is no reason for him to stay any much longer. LUK3 takes a deep breath in the end and closes his eyes, getting ready for what's to come.

20:01

So, he demanded for his clothes to be delivered to the Clan Leader's office as he already handed over the ones that he borrowed, remaining only in an undershirt and some pants he made at the moment to not look strange. His father was mad, but he waited until the man who came to hand over the clothes leave first.

On his body it's not only one scar though. What can you say? The kid loves danger. His hands, his back, wherever you look, there is at least a small scar from different missions. They are not something serious, that's true, but it does seem as he is just mutilating his own body. Still, all of them seem to have healed a very long time ago now. The scar on his face is six years old, it doesn't affect him anymore.

He was obligated by his father to come in his office again. After all, he needs to give him some explanation. He can't hide the truth from him forever, and he knows that too.

[XANTH3]-...So? Are you ready to tell me the truth?

[LUK3]-No?

[XANTH3]-You told me all this time that the job you chose is safe, that there is nothing I should worry about and that it's better than the title I could offer you. Mind explaining me why do you look like you've got eaten by the crevaators?

[LUK3]-Well, it's still better than that title.

[XANTH3]-I will call Master M4TTH3W to inform him that you don't need to work for the Southeast Base anymore if you don't tell me the truth, LUCAS!

[LUK3]-WELL, I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK BECAUSE THE GREAT LEADER IS D... is by my side! Alright!? You won't convince Him of anything!

The Leader seems pissed off by his response. He doesn't really know if that's true or not, because the Great Leader that he once knew vanished and become a totally new person.

[LUK3]-You want the truth, Father!? The Southeast Base is having collaboration with Mr. M1SH4M for years now! Whenever his team can't be present in a location, we intervene and help them out, alright!? We save people! I SAVE PEOPLE! THIS IS WHY I LOOK LIKE THIS! ALL THESE YEARS SINCE I LEFT THIS HOUSE I'VE BEEN DOING THIS JOB! AND YOU WON'T TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!!

[XANTH3]-Look at how the job affected you, LUCAS! Are you really that blind!?

[LUK3]-SO WHAT?? I LOVE WHAT I'M DOING! I LOVE DANGER! IT... It makes me feel alive!

[XANTH3]-...

[LUK3]-Why do you believe that this title fits me so much? While others do the real work out there, you are trapped in this house to supervise everyone with the production of Novha and Verha! You do nothing all day, and yet history says that this family is full of some kind of gods! ...What gods is history really talking about anyway? The "god" that stands in front of me, that barely saw the city with his own eyes in a lifetime? The "god" that chose me to be his son just because he wanted a successor? Tell me, what god does history actually talk about? You don't care about what I like, you don't care about what I enjoy! You are my own goddamn father, yet you only care that I'm a descendant of the bloodline and I will have to take your role! Yet the people that I work with care! They let me be who I want to be! And this is who I am!!

Truth to be told, nobody saw LUK3 this mad before, not even this Leader. He was always that stupid boy annoying everyone around him, but this time he is serious in what he is saying. Not even MY4, who is his best friend for a lifetime now could say that she saw him mad. He loosens his hair and disorganises it as it was before because there is no need to pretend to be someone he isn't anymore.

[LUK3]-...It's not my fault you chose me to be your successor just because of the colour that represents me as a C born. It's not my fault you take these old traditions too seriously! You can't expect me to be like you! ...But I know you don't listen anyway, no matter how much I'm giving my soul while talking, so I think it's best for me to leave. My friends are probably waiting for me for hours and it was a waste of time coming here anyway. I thought that... maybe after all those years you've changed, that you've changed this mindset of forcing me to be exactly like you... but seems like I was wrong. Maybe the only way of showing you that I'm right is for you to see me in action, but since you never leave this area, that will never happen.

He doesn't look at him anymore. He doesn't know how his father is feeling now. He thinks that there is only anger in his eyes as it always was, but he won't look at him even if he wanted. Why would he? He just wants to leave at this point and never come back. And so he does. He opens the door but not before to say his last words. For the Leader, it was maybe the first time...

[LUK3]-...And my name is LUK3, not "LUCAS". I don't want to be associated with you, XANTH3 LUCAS.

...he ever felt guilt in his heart.

The Underground City

20:57

So, LUK3 finally manages to meet up again with his friends after the whole thing that had happened at the XANTH3 Residence. And of course, the first thing he hears is KYR4 being mad at him.

[KYR4]-Damn, two hours and a half? You sure took your time, dipshit!

[MY4]-How did it go?

[LUK3]-It went pretty well, I guess. I think I managed to solve the problem!

[N04H]-What was the problem anyway? You still didn't tell me!

[C0NNER]-...I think it's better for us to not know, N04H. If this guy says it's a problem, surely he got some huge debt to pay. Other than that, I can't think of any other explanation.

[KYR4]-Well, that still doesn't spare him from the time we've wasted just because he wanted us to come!

[RY4N]-Oh, dear Father... Just stop arguing and let's move on. At least we didn't have anything important to do. Be grateful.

[KYR4]-And who are you to tell me to be grateful? We have the same title in this base, remember? This smartass just drives me insane, don't I have the right to complain?

[RY4N]-Well, that would mean I have the right to complain about your behaviour too. And for now, I AM your superior! Oh, dear M1NERV4... Now I know how CHE5TER felt...

[LUK3]-Oh, oh! Speak of the devil, did you guys go to the bar already? I would really like to get something to drink now! Who carries me home? Hehe!

[KYR4]-Not again... You can count on the boys, LUK3! Drink as much as you want!

[C0NNER]-And what exactly did I do to deserve this punishment, hm? Surely as my superior, you are stronger than me, aren't you, Officer KYR4?

[KYR4]-Well as your superior I demand you to carry him this time! Little brat...

Even with the chaos, this is better than anything that had happened in that house. These are people that he trusts and that he knows they trust him. Sure, they don't get along every time, but they are his friends. It's normal for close friends to argue sometimes.

"...I'm LUK3, and I am a soldier from the Southeast Military Base for some good years now. It's not much to say about it though... Being a soldier has its ups and downs, having to face danger as if it's a part of your daily tasks. But I do not mind that at all. To be honest... I like this danger that I have to battle. I like being around the people that had the same fate as me, being obligated to survive this war and make our lives have a meaning. I like... being around them... as they are my friends.

Each soldier has their past, restful or painful. I cannot say mine is a bad one knowing others' pasts though... I had beautiful days during my life and I cherish these moments till the moment I die. It doesn't really matter if the people around me had changed their views on me, even if it's for my own father to be one of them. In our culture it's a saying that if we remain the same people we were before, our glory remains with us as well. And I guess, even with all the things people have told me during my life... I still didn't lose my glory yet. And I'm not thinking of giving up on it any sooner.

As for what's going to happen in my future... hard to say, actually. I'm a simple being after all, just like all the others around me. For now, I just want to focus on the life I have instead of troubling myself with not being able to find the old person I used to be one day. After all, the people around me are the best people I've met, and I wish that we will remain together for a long time. And the reason behind it..."

"...is because they are the people that let me be who I truly am."